Female Umpire

She Just Made History as Major League Baseball’s First Female Umpire–Walking on The Field to Huge Cheers

After 30 years and 1,200 games, the phone call that Jen Pawol was waiting for finally arrived earlier this week.

You’re going to the big leagues—and you’re going to make history.

Just like that, Pawol became the first female umpire in Major League Baseball history on Saturday, when she worked first base in the opening game of the Miami Marlins/Atlanta Braves doubleheader.

She worked third base during the second game of the doubleheader and then moved behind home plate to become the head umpire for Sunday’s matchup.

It was a busy weekend for sure, but a historic one.

“It was pretty amazing when we took the field, and it seemed like quite a few people started clapping and saying my name,” shared Pawal. “So that was pretty intense and very emotional.”

Pawol spent seven years working NCAA softball games before breaking into professional baseball. Since then, she’s paid her dues and climbed the ranks, working through the rookie and minor leagues before becoming the first female to umpire a Triple A Championship game in 2023.

Still, one more level loomed up ahead, and that one held an even bigger milestone.

Major League Baseball was formed in 1903, but the organization had never had a female umpire —until now.

At 48 years old, Pawol’s big league career is only getting started. “It’s just incredible,” she said.

“The dream actually came true today, and I’m still living in it.”